Cocona Labs, The Maker Of 37.5® Technology, Joins The Conservation Alliance As One Of Few Material Suppliers

BOULDER, Colo. — October 18, 2023 — Cocona Labs., the maker of thermoregulating 37.5 Technology, today announces that it has joined The Conservation Alliance. As a member of The Conservation Alliance, Cocona’s member dues will directly support grassroots conservation efforts and advocate for protected areas. They are one of few material suppliers to join the organization, and strive to build momentum for more providers to be actively involved in sustainability and conservation initiatives.

The Conservation Alliance distributes 100 percent of funds they receive from membership dues into grassroots conservation work across the country. Cocona will play an active role in determining funding for crucial conservation projects, and is able to nominate projects for grant consideration. Member brands also have the opportunity to join The Conservation Alliance’s advocacy work in Washington to make their voices heard on key conservation issues.

“We loved the model that The Conservation Alliance has chosen, bringing together a collective corporate voice,” said Blair Kanis, Cocona Labs president. “They put money into local, grassroots groups, some of which are right in our backyard. Just last year, they funded protection efforts for the Dolores River in Western Colorado that would help ensure a water management system that prioritizes animal populations and local recreation. We’re excited to partner with this organization that aligns with our vision to preserve wild spaces and will help us amplify our voice on national conservation issues.”

Cocona Labs is taking strides to ensure that their internal practices align with their sustainability advocacy. Last year they incorporated an Enhanced Biodegradation (+EB) additive into fibers and yarns with 37.5 Technology at no additional cost to brands. This added technology helps rapidly break down synthetic fiber 50 to 80 percent in just 80-100 years, whereas typical synthetic fibers require centuries. While material suppliers typically do not have an outsized voice in sustainability initiatives compared to consumer brands, Cocona Labs wants to shift that narrative.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Cocona Labs as the newest member of The Conservation Alliance,” said Conor McElyea, senior director of Membership and Partnerships at The Conservation Alliance. “Their emphasis on sustainability and work to improve the way fabrics are made makes them a great fit for membership, and one we look forward to engaging with for many years to come”

As a brand with strong roots in the outdoors industry, Cocona Inc. is thrilled to work with The Conservation Alliance to amplify its voice on wilderness conservation and recreation issues.

Posted: October 18, 2023

Source: Cocona Labs

Flat Knitting Technologist SHIMA SEIKI Will Participate In The A+A 2023 — Safety, Security And Health At Work International Trade Fair In Düsseldorf

SHIMA SEIKI’s APEXFiz® design software

WAKAYAMA, Japan — October 18, 2023 — Flat knitting technologist SHIMA SEIKI Mfg. Ltd. will participate in the A+A 2023—Safety, Security and Health at Work International Trade Fair in Düsseldorf, Germany later this month. On display will be the company’s latest safety-related technology 
through its new SPG® -R pile glove knitting machine and the prototype SFG®-R next generation glove knitting machine. Each of these machines drew attention at Shima Seiki’s booth at the International Textile Machinery (ITMA 2023) Exhibition in Milan.

SHIMA SEIKI’s SPG-R

Shima Seiki’s original SPG, developed in 1979 as the world’s first automatic glove knitting machine to produce seamless pile-knitted gloves, is now reborn as a next-generation model. Pile gloves feature special traits that include cushioning, shock-reduction and thermal insulation and cold protection, making them popular especially in the field of industrial safety. Now, SPG is redesigned from the ground up and re-introduced as the SPG-R. The new SPG-R features a new moveable sinker system with selectable loop presser function. Combined with a new belt-driven carriage it allows SPG to provide efficient and reliable production of fashionable, high-quality pile gloves. Shown in 7 gauge at A+A, SPG-R surpasses the previous generation with pioneering technology, improved capability and reliable productivity.

SFG-R

Shima Seiki’s original product on which the company was founded was the fully automated seamless glove knitting machine. While the original model evolved to become the current SFG series, SFG -R exhibited at A+A is its spiritual successor. With a new sinker system, a belt-driven 2-cam carriage and auto yarn carriers SFG-R is a completely new machine for knitting gloves that conform better to the shape of the hand for improved fit. Furthermore its greater design potential offers users the opportunity to break out of the work glove market and into the fashion market. SFG-R is shown as a prototype next-generation model in 12 gauge at A+A.

SHIMA SEIKI’s Datamall

Also demonstrated will be Shima Seiki’s APEXFiz® design software. The importance of design software is made even more significant by the new patterning capabilities of SPG-R and SFG-R. Both machines now feature increased design potential that allow each of their products — pile gloves and work gloves, respectively — to expand their market into fashion. APEXFiz is available for developing these designs. Further more virtual sampling on APEXFiz is especially effective in streamlining the production process. Ultra-realistic simulation capability allows the use of virtual samples for evaluating design variations without producing actual samples for each variation, thereby minimizing the time, cost and resources normally required with sample-making, supporting smart, speedy and sustainable production.

Posted: October 18, 2023

Source: Shima Seiki Mfg. Ltd.

Spinnova Unveils Sustainable Denim At Kingpins Trade Show

JYVÄSKYLÄ, Finland — October 18, 2023 — Sustainable textile material company Spinnova presented the first blended denim fabrics made with SPINNOVA® fiber. Using Spinnova’s unique technology, the SPINNOVA fiber for the denim is produced without harmful chemicals and its CO2 emissions and water consumption are significantly lower compared to conventional cotton production* — presenting a less resource-intensive way of making jeans without compromising the sturdy feel and aesthetics of denim.

With a global market of 3.1 billion pairs in 2022, denim jeans could easily be considered a wardrobe staple. Despite this, there has been limited innovation to address the many sustainability challenges of denim production, such as water and resource intensity, heavy chemical use and dyeing, as well as limited recyclability when blended with materials such as polyester and elastane.

Sustainable textile material company Spinnova has today presented the first blended denim fabrics made with wood-based SPINNOVA fiber at the annual Kingpins denim trade show in Amsterdam. The pilot products showcase Spinnova’s technology’s potential to improve the sustainability of denim on multiple fronts. When SPINNOVA fiber is produced from certified eucalyptus pulp, it has various environmental benefits such as 99-percent less water consumption and 74-percent fewer CO2 emissions compared to conventional cotton*. The fiber spinning process uses zero harmful chemicals and thanks to the unique mechanical process, the fiber has a natural hand-feel. Finally, the raw material used to make SPINNOVA fiber can be traced back to its origin.

The denim industry doesn’t compromise on quality, which has been a challenge for denim manufacturers exploring new materials in the past. While most man-made fibers lack the quintessential, sturdy feel of cotton-based denim, early tests have shown that denim produced with a blend of SPINNOVA and cotton maintains those qualities and meets the aesthetic requirements of denim.

“We see a huge opportunity in changing the way that raw materials are sourced and treated for a product as iconic and timeless as denim. It’s exciting to see that we can already address many of the existing sustainability challenges with Spinnova’s technology, while upholding the quality associated with a good pair of jeans. Spinnova works together with partners in the denim segment to optimize the share of SPINNOVA in the fabric for the best use of the qualities of the fibre,” says Spinnova’s chief sustainability officer Shahriare Mahmood.

“We’ve had considerable interest from brands and look forward to expanding cooperation with denim mills and brand partners to launch our first commercial denim products together,” continued Allan Andersen, chief sales officer at Spinnova.

Spinnova is expecting to see the first fabrics and consumer products made with SPINNOVA fiber enter the market within the next 12 months. The first denim pilot products are showcased at Kingpins show in Amsterdam on October 18-19, 2023.

*Product carbon footprint study is conducted by a third-party expert following the ISO 14067:2018 standard. The footprint calculation includes CO2-e emissions associated with raw material supply, transportation of raw materials, and manufacturing of the product (cradle-to-gate). Furthermore, Ecoinvent database is used as the source for global average emissions of conventional cotton. Water consumption is calculated by a lifecycle impact comparison, conducted for Spinnova by a third-party expert.

Posted: October 18, 2023

Source: Spinnova

Natureworks Announces Next Phase Of Construction On New Fully Integrated Ingeo™ PLA Biopolymer Manufacturing Facility In Thailand

PLYMOUTH, Minn. — October 18, 2023 — NatureWorks, a manufacturer of polylactic acid (PLA) biopolymers made from renewable resources, has made significant progress on the construction of their new fully integrated Ingeo™️ PLA biopolymer manufacturing facility in Nakhon Sawan Province, Thailand. As a fully integrated PLA complex, the plant will include three manufacturing facilities: lactic acid fermentation, lactide monomer production, and polymerization. The facility will have an annual capacity of 75,000 tons of Ingeo biopolymer and produce the full portfolio of Ingeo grades. This effort reflects the company’s commitment to expanding customer access to fully biobased, low-carbon biomaterials with unique performance attributes valued by global downstream packaging and fiber markets.

Construction on NatureWorks’ new Ingeo PLA manufacturing facility in Thailand is on track with production and start-up activities projected to begin in 2025. Photo: Business Wire

“The construction of our new facility is a significant undertaking that represents NatureWorks’ continued investment both in the Asia Pacific region and in the expansion of the biobased materials market,” said Steve Bray, vice president of Operations at NatureWorks. “We have seen a rise in demand for Ingeo biopolymers throughout the Asia Pacific region, and this new complex will allow us to continue to sustainably and efficiently supply our markets with the highest quality biopolymers.”

The construction of this new facility will support rapid growth in multiple different markets including 3D printing, nonwovens for hygiene, compostable coffee capsules, tea bags, flexible packaging, and sustainable food serviceware. Construction is on track to support projected start-up activities and full production in 2025. Ingeo biopolymer produced at this site will be made from sugarcane, an annually renewable feedstock that is locally abundant and will be sourced from farms within a 50-kilometer radius of the Nakhon Sawan site.

“Over the last decade, the global materials market increasingly prioritized the use of biobased, sustainably sourced materials in order to reduce the impact on climate and facilitate climate-friendly processes like food scrap diversion from landfill to compost through the use of compostable materials,” said Jill Zullo, CEO at NatureWorks. “The market’s evolution has redefined the scope of what we can accomplish, allowing us to think bigger when it comes to our manufacturing expansion. This new facility will enable us to meet growing consumer demand and continue providing unparalleled service to our international customer base.”

NatureWorks also continues to strengthen its position in the United States. Most recently the company was honored with leading industry safety awards for its facilities in Minnesota and Nebraska. The Minnesota Safety Council awarded NatureWorks the Award of Honor, their top award, for employee safety efforts at their global headquarters and advanced biopolymers R&D facility in Plymouth, Minn. The Nebraska National Safety Council recognized the NatureWorks manufacturing facility in Blair, Neb., as one of Nebraska’s Safest Companies with Distinction for the 20th year in a row.

“We are a safety-first culture at NatureWorks,” said Bill Suehr, COO at NatureWorks. “It’s a core value for operations in our current facilities that also extends to our teams and partners involved in constructing and running our new manufacturing plant in Thailand.”

Posted: October 18, 2023

Source: NatureWorks

FiltXPO™ 2023 Brought The World Of Filtration Together For New Technologies And Innovations

CARY, N.C. — October 18, 2023 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced that C-suite leaders and product developers convened October 10-12, Chicago, IL for the third edition of FiltXPO™. FiltXPO is an exhibition and technical conference dedicated exclusively to filtration and separation products and processes. Leading-edge exhibitors displayed their products and services to technology scouts and business developers.

The technical conference highlighted key topics affecting the filtration industry today and for the future and was co-organized by the Waterloo Filtration Institute. The conference featured sessions on filter media technologies, advancements and opportunities in filtration machinery and equipment, innovations in clean air for homes and urban areas, standards and testing, industry trends and new developments, and filtration challenges and opportunities.

The two-day Filter Media Course, conducted by Dr. Behnam Pourdeyhimi, professor and executive director, The Nonwovens Institute; Dr. Hechmi Hamouda, professor, Textile Engineering, NC State University (ret.); and Dr. Hooman Tafreshi, associate professor Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, NC State University, allowed participants to develop an overall understanding of nonwovens and their applications in air, liquid, and aerosol filtration, technologies, unmet needs, and trends for future development.

The next edition of FiltXPO and the Filter Media Course will be co-located with IDEA®, taking place April 29-May 1, 2025, Miami Beach, Fla. More information will be available January 2024 on www.filtxpo.com.

Posted: October 18, 2023

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Sympatex Presents Product Innovations With Its Own Eco Design Collection At The A+A Düsseldorf

UNTERFÖHRING, Germany — October 18, 2023 — Sympatex presents recyclable product innovations at A+A Düsseldorf. From October 24-27, 2023, the membrane manufacturer will be showing new products in the textile and footwear sector, as well as an eco-design guide, in Hall 15, Stand A21. The eco design recommendations will be implemented in a separate trade fair collection.

At A+A Düsseldorf, the focus will be on sustainability. After all, the clothing and footwear sector contributes over 8 percent to global greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainability is an urgent topic and circular economy is rightly becoming the new standard in Europe.

Various objectives play a role in the production of sustainable textiles: the value of textiles should be maintained for as long as possible and greenhouse gas emissions should be reduced. It is also important to reintegrate textile waste into the cycle and reuse it.

At A+A, Sympatex is presenting Caura Sherpa, a new laminate concept that combines the advantages of the classic quilted jacket with those of a membrane jacket. Stylish, waterproof, breathable and durable. Moreover, it is not only made entirely from recycled material, but is also recyclable and thus precisely in the focus of the sustainability theme of the fair.

“We see Caura Sherpa as a successor to classic softshells. It is also the case that a “Caura Sherpa jacket” offers better thermal insulation than a softshell jacket, while being significantly lighter and more comfortable to wear,” said Petra Klattenhoff, product management, Corporate & Workwear Sympatex.

The membrane manufacturer Sympatex is convinced that the right materials are very important for efficient recycling. The company has developed an Eco Design Guide to pass on this knowledge to all brand partners. The guide is available at the exhibition stand in Hall 15, Stand A21.

“To illustrate the Sympatex Caura Sherpa concept, we have designed a trade fair col- lection. Here, our recyclable polyester laminates with eco-design requirements were implemented in finished garments,” said Lisa Polk, Circularity expert, Sympatex.

“The process allowed us to better understand the issues of our brand partners and find ways to close the loop in the design process. Our design emphasized the importance and necessity of making the right material choices for a sustainable garment,” Polk added.

In footwear, Sympatex’s sustainable answer is called “Sorrento nonwoven”. The laminate has been tested and certified for use in workwear.

“By eliminating polyurethane foam in the production of the laminate, we have managed to reduce CO2 emissions by 10 percent and water consumption by 15 percent,” said Yasemin Malcolm, product management Footwear Sympatex.

“To achieve this, we have replaced the PU layer with 100-percent recycled polyester nonwoven. This has made us more resource-efficient and has brought us a decisive step closer to our goal of mono-material and recyclability of the entire laminate. This progress is still difficult to achieve, especially in the footwear sector. The technical performance of our laminate has also improved,” Malcolm added.

“We also want to learn from our customers,” says Kim Scholze, CSMO Sympatex.

“I have a fantastic team that implements our circular economy philosophy beautifully through developments like the Caura Sherpa concept and the Sorrento nonwoven. Especially in the C&W and footwear sector, it takes expertise, but also a spirit of innovation and collaboration. Valuable ideas are not only created in our company. We always seek exchange with our partners, customers and suppliers. That is why we cordially invite you to the A+A. The trade fair is an excellent opportunity to drive forward detailed solutions and to create added value for the industry together,” Scholze added.

Posted: October 18, 2023

Source: Sympatex

Thai Acrylic Fibre (TAF) To Showcase Regel™ And Other Sustainable Innovations In Textile Exchange Conference

BANGKOK — October 18, 2023 — Thai Acrylic Fibre Co. Ltd. (TAF), one of the world’s largest acrylic fiber producers, is excited to announce its participation in the upcoming Textile Exchange Conference 2023 at Booth 145. Set to take place from October 23-27 at the O2 InterContinental in Greenwich, London.

The Textile Exchange Conference brings together industry leaders, innovators, and experts from across the fashion, textile, and apparel industry, serving as a premier global platform to collaboratively explore challenges and solutions to overcome the climate crisis.

At the conference, TAF will be showcasing its latest innovation — Regel™ — recycled acrylic fibre. With its impressive MSI (Material Sustainability Index) scores, and outstanding LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) credentials, Regel is setting new standards for sustainability within the textile industry.

Regel, recycled acrylic fiber, has been developed with a strong focus on sustainability that offers a practical solution for a variety of textile applications. Its MSI scores and LCA demonstrate the reduced environmental impact throughout its life cycle and its potential to contribute to a supply chain, marking a significant step in the industry towards more eco-friendly textile production. Regel also retains the warmth, comfort, vibrant shades, and durability for which acrylic fibers are renowned through innovative “Regel technology.”

“We view our participation in the Textile Exchange Conference 2023 as an opportunity to strengthen our partnerships, exchange ideas and learn from other industry leaders who share our vision of a more sustainable future. We also believe that Regel sustainability features benefit both manufacturers and consumers by addressing the growing demand for eco-conscious products. We do look forward to engaging with industry peers, sharing insights to learn more about Regel and our broader sustainability initiatives,” said Tuhin Kulshreshtha, head of Marketing, TAF.

Posted: October 18, 2023

Source: Thai Acrylic Fibre Co.,Ltd. (TAF)

RUDOLF HUB1922 Bets On Evolutionary Chemistry From Renewable Feedstock And Waste

GERETSRIED, Bavaria — October 17, 2023 — RUDOLF has been listening to the growing demand for truly sustainable technologies expressed by some progressive parts of the textile and apparel industry. One of the results of such learning is RUDOLF HUB1922 presenting a range of chemistry at Kingpins Amsterdam that is truly evolutionary.

Using raw materials from organic waste, plastic waste and renewable feedstock, RUDOLF’s latest textile chemistry has the potential to revolutionize the industry by significantly reducing its environmental impact.

“RUDOLF’s evolutionary textile chemistry addresses the vexed problem of waste generation by reusing waste materials as valuable resources” said Alberto De Conti, head of RUDOLF HUB1922. He continues, “Diverting waste and renewable feedstock from landfills and incinerators into the production of textile chemicals significantly reduces the industry’s dependence on non-renewable resources and promotes a circular economy model”.

The introduction of chemicals made from organic waste, plastic waste and renewable feedstocks requires effective communication and education, and this is where successful collaboration within the industry becomes critical. “Collaboration between scientists, fashion designers and manufacturers can drive a move towards greener practices, making sustainable fashion the norm and minimizing the industry’s environmental footprint” concluded De Conti

Posted: October 17, 2023

Source: RUDOLF

Hologenix Partners With Duluth Trading Co. On New Collection That Offers Shoppers Quicker Recovery And Better Rest

recovIR Jumper

LOS ANGELES — October 17, 2023 — Hologenix is teaming up with lifestyle brand Duluth Trading Company on two Duluth Trading product collections this fall that are infused with CELLIANT® infrared technology.

CELLIANT is an all-natural bioceramic blend of minerals that converts body heat to full-spectrum infrared energy, then reflects it back to the body – increasing local blood circulation and improving cellular oxygenation.

Known for their problem-solution products, Duluth Trading launched two collections this fall that feature the CELLIANT technology: Men’s Redwood Recovery Underwear and the recovIR Sleepwear Collection (available in men’s and women’s). With the help of CELLIANT, the collections aim to provide the wearer with faster recovery and more restful sleep.

“Product innovation is at the heart of what we do at Duluth Trading,” said Ricker Schlecht, senior vice president of Product, Merchandising and Inventory. “Our talented team of product developers is always looking for the latest technology to provide our customers with better, more comfortable clothing. This latest innovation in our baselayer business allows us to provide our brand fans an option to help them recover more quickly from a hard day’s work.”

“We are thrilled that Duluth Trading Company saw an opportunity to promote an advantage for men’s health. The Redwood Recovery Boxer Briefs are making self-care accessible and fun,” said Seth Casden, Hologenix CEO and co-founder. “We’ve created something unique for like-minded people that fulfills the desire for innovation through the benefits of infrared technology.”

Products in the Redwood Recovery Collection and recovIR Collection range in price from $29.50 to $89.50. Both collections are available to shop now at duluthtrading.com and Duluth Trading stores.

Posted: October 17, 2023

Source: Hologenix, LLC

Home Furnishing International Targeting Basic Bedding, Chair Pads & Accessories For Expansion

GAFFNEY, S.C. — (October 17, 2023) — Global fabric and home fashions manufacturer Home Furnishing International is planning major expansion in several product categories, including bed pillows and utility bedding as well as chair pads and accessories. To spearhead this growth, HFI is adding two well-known home fashions sales and marketing veterans to its management team: Bally Faudar joins as senior vice president, Sales; and Erin Gallagher-Brinskele joins as vice president, Kitchen Textiles. Both report to Amy Bell, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer.

“We have been enjoying double-digit growth for 2023, due to our dedicated team of merchandising experts led by Amy Bell, as well as our 1 million- square-foot modern manufacturing facilities in South Carolina,” asserted David Li, chairman and CEO of Home Furnishing International, a privately held firm with annual sales estimated in excess of $200 million. “We have been in a growth mode for the past two years, and now we are bringing on strong leadership to continue our expansion in several product categories that are closely related to our existing businesses.”

Bed pillows and mattress toppers are two areas targeted for substantial
growth, following HFI’s major penetration into the mattress and foundation
category since 2021. “We have added the capacity to produce 100,000 bed
pillows a day in South Carolina, and we felt we needed a real leader to
leverage our growth in utility bedding,” Li explained. “Bally has the
knowledge, expertise and retail relationships to take us to the next level in the basic bedding category.”

Faudar has been in the home fashions industry for more than 30 years, serving in sales and merchandising positions at industry leaders including Newport-Layton Home Fashions, Jay Franco & Sons, Excell Home Fashions and Bess Manufacturing.

Bed pillows represent a potentially-explosive growth category for the company: in 2022, worldwide sales of bed pillows were valued at an estimated $17.1 billion and are expected to reach or exceed $18.1 billion in 2024, according to a global data and business intelligence platform Statista. Mattress toppers are another growth area, with worldwide sales estimated at $919 million in 2022 and a projected compound annual growth rate of 7.2% through 2031, according to qualitative insights firm Transparency Market Research.

“As consumers become more aware of the role of high-quality bedding in producing a better night’s sleep, we see a huge and growing demand for our utility bedding products,” Bell points out. “We are making the investments in personnel and manufacturing that we believe are necessary to support this untapped segment of our business.”

Li adds that the bedding industry is intensely competitive, and therefore the company wants to provide its retail customers with a one-stop-shopping experience. “Our goal has always been — and continues to be — to provide our retail customers with superior service, rapid delivery, enhanced fashion and exceptional performance at competitive prices,” he notes.

Faudar calls his new position, “a great opportunity,” and noted, “I am excited by David’s vision and the overall strength of the company, especially with HFI’s proven ability to develop products that serve the needs of our retail customers; the penetration they already have in the bedding and home fashions market, and the company’s vertical manufacturing capabilities.” He will work out of the New York showroom and his home office, covering all categories with select accounts with an emphasis on bed pillows, mattress toppers, and mattresses.

Chair pads and kitchen accessories are another major growth opportunity, according to Li. “We have enjoyed incredible success in the outdoor chair pad and cushion category, as well as consistent growth in the fashion decorative pillow area,” he said. “Indoor kitchen and dining chair pads are therefore the next logical step in our product line growth and evolution, taking advantage of our vertical manufacturing capacity in memory foam and conventional foam, as well as our extensive library of innovative and proprietary fabrics and designs.”

The creation of a new executive position specifically targeting the chair pad category demonstrates the company’s commitment, according to Li. “We have always prided ourselves on our personal relationships with our customers, and Erin is really a category specialist,” he comments. “She is well-known and respected throughout the industry and will be a valuable addition to our team.”

Gallagher-Brinskele served as vice president of sales for 11 years at chair pad specialty supplier Klear Vu Corp., and also previously worked for the manufacturing group formed by Glenoit Mills, Excell Home Fashions and Croscill Home Fashions, focusing on the kitchen rugs, kitchen textiles and table linens categories.

“I’m looking forward to growing the indoor seat cushion business by using HFI’s impressive collection of fabrics and innovative manufacturing capabilities both in Gaffney and overseas,”

Gallagher-Brinskele asserts. “I’m excited to join HFI’s team and have the opportunity to drive sales and develop products in the chair pad category. I also look forward to identifying and developing new market opportunities for such a powerhouse company.” She will work out of the New York showroom and her home office, responsible for indoor chair pads and accessories for all accounts.

Bell pointed out: “Both Bally and Erin have very strong reputations in the industry and well-established relationships with many of our major retail customers. I believe they will bring us valuable insights and help us create and market products that will appeal to the ultimate consumer, thereby positioning us to continue our steady growth trajectory.”

HFI also is targeting the pet bed category for expansion in the future, and is currently seeking a qualified executive to manage and guide the business. “We see pet beds as a logical extension of our existing categories, given our vertical manufacturing capabilities, including our substantial selection of proprietary fabrics and our capacity for pouring customized foam formulations and generating performance fiberfill stuffing, all of which are unique advantages in the growing pet bed market,” Li explained. “We are searching for a talented team player with knowledge and expertise to help drive our pet bed increases.” In 2023, the size of the global pet bed market was valued at $4.32 billion and is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.6% over the next decade, reaching a value of $8.19 billion by 2033, according to data and research firm Future Market Insights.

Li believes that both Faudar and Gallagher-Brinskele can help propel HFI into new categories of business. “We see a huge amount of untapped potential in these markets,” he explains. “We believe that our vertical, global fabric and furnishings manufacturing model, our innovative product development and design, and our speed to market make us a much more valuable partner to our retail customers. Additionally, we are one of the few companies today that is continuing to invest substantially in new U.S. manufacturing capabilities.”

Home Furnishing International has invested close to $50 million in its U.S. manufacturing and distribution facilities over the past three years. The company also is a leading vertical global fabric and home furnishings supplier with superior manufacturing capabilities in China, operating more than 3 million square feet of manufacturing facilities in Rugao, Jinjiang and Hangzhou. The company’s Chinese factories currently produce more than 300 million yards of fabric every year.

Posted: October 17, 2023

Source: Home Furnishing International (HFI)

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